Al-Ittihad 'add' Fulham boss Marco Silva to head coach shortlist

By Ben Sully | 01 July 2024

Could Silva depart? Al-Ittihad targeting Fulham boss

Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad are reportedly considering Fulham manager Marco Silva as a potential candidate to succeed Marcelo Gallardo.

Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad have reportedly included Fulham boss Marco Silva on their managerial shortlist.

Al-Ittihad are currently without a permanent head coach following Marcelo Gallardo's departure at the end of last season.

Gallardo spent just over six months in the role after replacing current Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo in November 2023.

The Saudi Arabian club finished in a disappointing fifth place in their title defence despite having the likes of N'Golo Kante, Fabinho and Karim Benzema in their squad.

Fulham manager Marco Silva reacts on January 5, 2024 © Reuters

Al-Ittihad considering Silva in managerial search

According to Sky Sports News, Al-Ittihad have placed Silva on their managerial shortlist alongside former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli.

The report suggests that Al-Ittihad are willing to offer Silva a €18m (£15.27m)-per-year deal to make the switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Silva, who had offers from Saudi Arabian clubs last summer, is currently under contract until June 2026 after signing an extension in October.

Having spent the last years at Craven Cottage, it remains to be seen whether Silva would consider leaving the Premier League for a fresh challenge in Saudi Arabia.

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli on April 18, 2024 © Reuters

Could Al-Ittihad turn to Pioli?

Even if Al-Ittihad make an official approach for Silva, they would have to agree a compensation package with Fulham to appoint the Portuguese as their new manager.

In contrast to Silva, Pioli is currently unattached and would only need to agree personal terms to become Gallardo's successor.

The 58-year-old is searching for his next job after leaving Italian giants AC Milan at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Pioli took over the reins at San Siro in 2019, before he went on to lead I Rossoneri to the Serie A title in 2021-22.

After managing the likes of Lazio, Inter Milan, Fiorentina and AC Milan, Pioli could be presented with the chance to coach outside of Italy for the first time in his managerial career.